Friction over business practices are the price of being the world’s top trading nation, says Commerce Minister Gao Hucheng

Mark Magnier

BEIJING—Increased trade friction and legal challenges over its business practices are the price China pays for being the world’s top trading nation, the commerce minister said.

Slower growth in the world’s second-largest economy in recent years has led more Chinese makers of steel, tires and other commodities to try expanding overseas, raising tension with the U.S., the European Union and other trading partners.